Runway 11R/29L is back in operation
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has returned its third runway, 11R/29L, to service following a rehabilitation and maintenance programme that lasted about seven months. The runway was scheduled to resume operations from 20 September 2026.
For passengers, runway availability is one part of the airport's overall operating capacity. It does not mean every flight will run exactly on schedule, because weather, air-traffic restrictions, aircraft rotation and airline operations can still affect departures and arrivals.
What the rehabilitation was intended to do
The work focused on maintaining and improving the runway's operational capability and supporting safe, efficient aircraft movements. Major runway maintenance is normally planned to preserve pavement condition and airport infrastructure while keeping the remaining runway system operational.
What travellers should expect
If you are flying through Delhi, continue to check your flight status directly with the airline before travelling to the airport. Allow enough time for terminal entry, check-in, security and, for international departures, immigration. A runway reopening can improve resilience, but it does not eliminate day-to-day operational disruption.
Planning a connection at Delhi
Passengers with domestic-to-international or international-to-domestic connections should confirm the terminal used by each flight and whether baggage is checked through. Build a reasonable connection buffer rather than relying only on the minimum connection time displayed by a booking system.
When planning a connection at Delhi, allow enough time for security, immigration, baggage collection, and terminal transfers if required. Check whether your flights arrive and depart from the same terminal, and confirm your airline’s minimum connection time. For international connections, keep your passport, boarding pass, and travel documents easily accessible. Also check current airport and airline instructions before travelling.
Source: Delhi airport runway reopening reported on 20 September 2026 following completion of the rehabilitation programme. Information checked by HuntMyFlight on 24 September 2026.
